Pacific Northwest National Lab

About Pacific Northwest National Lab

PNNL is focused on DOE's missions in science, energy, environment, and national security. PNNL researchers routinely integrate across fundamental science and applied technology programs, engaging partners across the country to take on big challenges. These efforts also deliver significant economic contributions to Washington State, the Northwest region and the nation. The dedication of our people to push the frontiers of science and engineering in order to solve some of the nation's greatest challenges is a hallmark of PNNL's 50 year history.

Capabilities

Advancements in bioproducts science and technology are resulting in new opportunities for grower associations, commodity processors, biofuel chemical companies, and federal agencies interested in the environmental and economic benefits of renewable resources for the production of high-value industrial and consumer products.

For nearly 30 years, the hallmark of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's bioproducts research has been the development and application of novel thermal, chemical, and biological processes to convert biomass to industrial and consumer products, fuels, and energy. PNNL's patented catalytic processes convert sugars and acids to much higher value commodity and specialty chemicals.

Additionally, PNNL's advanced modeling and computational tools provide new insights into catalyst design, proteomics, engineering process economics, greenhouse gas impacts, and high fidelity logistics/siting. PNNL works with private industry and government to rapidly translate scientific discoveries into deployable technologies that are beneficial to this nation and will reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and gas supplies.

Our expertise, techniques, and equipment can be categorized into five main areas.

Facilities

PNNL's advanced bio-based fuels and products research is due in large part to the distinctive equipment and facilities at the Laboratory. These resources are found within the Process Sciences and Engineering Division.

The Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory will be a 57,000 gross square foot multipurpose facility and home for PNNL Bio-Based Product Research, including high throughput catalysis development and fungal biotechnology. It will allow the many capabilities at the Lab to be brought together at one site.

Participating Labs

Contact the participating labs below to learn more about their capabilities and facilities: